Cabinet construction



Feb. 11, 1936. w VAN sc v 2,030,554 3 CABINET CONSTRUCTION Filed Janv 30, 1934 2. SheetS Sheet l Fig, I5.

WITNESSES: a iNVENTOR WAL ERMVANScH/ER.

ATTO

Feb. 11, 1936.,

W. M. VAN SCIVER CABINET CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 50, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 5.

a T I 3 13 [I F H I I a i I 4 1 1 f 25 i q v I I i is w 30 w i 1" r l m E f; X A 5 H II Q A /fl\' v Wag f Fiefiu a 22 --zs I I INVENTOR wm'mmvawsmvm.

Patented Feb. 11, 1936 UNlTED- STATES,

CABINET CONSTRUCTION Walter M. Van Sciver,

Lansdowne, Pa., assignor to Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application January 30, 1934, Serial No. 708,950

8 Claims.

My invention relates to refrigeration apparatus, and particularly to refrigeration apparatus of the air cooled type, the refrigerating unit of refrigerating unit is mounted in an enclosed apparatus compartment of a refrigerator cabinet and wherein air conduit structure forms one of the side walls of the apparatus compartment when the refrigeration apparatus is completely assembled.

It is another object of my invention to so construct and arrange a machinery compartment and air conduit structure of the type described that the issuance of objectionable noises due to operation of the refrigerating apparatus is minimized.

These and other objects are effected by my invention as will be apparent from the following description and v claims taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator cabinet utilized in practicing my invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the top for the refrigerator cabinet shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the back of an air conduit structure used in my refrigeration apparatus;

Fig. 4-is aside view of a lifting device which may be used in mounting a. condensing-expanding refrigerating unit in a refrigerator cabinet;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a refrigerator cabinet including an air conduit structure and having a condensing-expanding refrigerating unit mounted therein, in accordance witha preferred embodiment of my invention; and,

Fig. 6 is a top view of an assembled refrigerator cabinet with the removable top oif the cabinet.

Referring specifically to the drawings for a detailed description of my invention, I show a refrigerator cabinet I having an insulated foodstorage compartment 2 and a machinery compartment 3, above the food-storage compartment. The machinery compartment is preferably provided with suitable sound-deadening material 4.

As is usual in refrigerators of this type, legs 5 of appreciable height support the cabinet I, whereby the bottom of the food compartment 2 is at sufiicient height for the householder to obtain easy access thereto. The distance from the floor on which the refrigerator is placed to the top of the machinery compartment of most refrigerator cabinets constructed as set forth above, is usually of such magnitude that it requires considerable eflort for men of average height when standing on the same floor to lift a refrigerating unit above the top of the cabinet for mounting it into the cabinet.

In practicing my invention, I provide the machinery compartment 3 with an opening Gin the back thereof, which opening is relatively wide and extends downwardly to the top of an insulated intermediate structure I which partly divides the apparatus compartment 3 from the storage compartment 2. An aperture 8 is provided in the intermediate structure for a purpose hereinafter described. The refrigerating unit comprises an evaporator element 9, a sealed motor compressor H, a condenser l2, a fan l3 for cooling the condenser, and a float valve M, which elements are inter-connected by suitable refrigerant conveying conduits in a manner well understood in the art. The sealed motor-compressor, condenser, and fan are sometimes referred to as the condensing element, and is here designated generally by numeral III, it being understood that any or all of the above elements may be desigapproximately i nated as the condensing element. The condensapparatus compartments is also supported by the base plate I! by any suitable means. The evaporator 9 is supported bythe insulating block 16 beneath the same. It will be readily seen, therefore, that the refrigeration apparatus is a complete unit which may be inserted into and removed from the cabinet I as such.

' In order to mount the unitary refrigeratingapparatus in the compartment with the evaporator 9 in the food-storage compartment andthe condensing element In in the apparatus compartment 3, as shown in Fig. 4, a lifting device II, shown in Fig. 5, is preferably employed. The lifting device essentially comprises a heavy metal bar i8 having a hook l9 at one end for engaging the edge of the sealed motor-compressor l l and a pair of hooks 2| at the other end thereof for engaging conduits 22 adjacent the condenser.

When the lifting device I! is attached to the refrigerating unit, it may be readily lifted by two men, one at each end of the bar I8. However, the refrigerating unit need be lifted only a suflicient distance so that the bottom of the evaporator 9 clears the partition wall 1, whereupon the evaporator is moved through the aperture 6 in apparatus compartment 3. The base plate I 5 is also small enough to pass through the aperture 6 in the apparatus compartment 3. During mounting, the refrigerating unit may be visually guided from the back of the cabinet vI into its proper relative position with respect to the cabinet l, thus simplifying the mounting operation and preventing injury to the apparatus from bumps and knocks during mounting. When the evaporator 9 is positioned over the aperture 8 in the partition 7 between the food compartment 2 and the apparatus compartment 3, the refrigerating unit is lowered vertically until the base plate I5 is supported by the paitition wall I, at which time the evaporator 9 is within the food compartment 2, the condensing element I0 is in the apparatus compartment 3, and the insulating block member l5 seals the aperture 8 in the partition 1. The lifting device I! may then be removed from the refrigerating unit, and top 24 placed thereon. The top is also preferably provided with sound deadening material 20.

After the refrigerating unit is properly disposed in the refrigerator cabinet I, an air conduit structure 25 is fastened to the back of the cabinet I, and covers the aperture 6 in the machinery compartment 3, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The air conduit structure 25 comprises a shallow pan 26 open at the bottom and closed at the top, and

has a vertical dividing wall 21 therein, whereby an inlet chamber 28 and an outlet chamber 29 are formed. Sound deadening material 30 is placed on some of the walls of the air conduit. Vertical edges 3| of the air conduit structure are flanged and screws 32 extend therethrough to fasten the air conduit structure 25 securely to the cabinet I. The tortuous passageways between the apparatus compartment 3, and the outside'of the cabinet, effectively prevents noise from escaping through opening 6.

j An inlet air duct 33, formed by portions of the air conduit structure 25 which connects with condenser I2, connects only with the inlet chamber 28 of the air conduit structure 25. The outlet chamber 29 of the air conduit structure 25 communicates at the top thereof with the remainder of the interior of the machinery compartment 3.

The cabinet top member 24 is disposed on the refrigerator cabinet I to cover the top of the machinery compartment 3, fitting tightly thereon.

When the fan l3 operates, air is drawn into the inlet chamber 28 of air conduit structure 25, through inlet air duct 33, over the condenser 12 and over the motor-compressor H of the refriga crating apparatus, thus absorbing heat therefrom. Air is then forced through the remainder of the machinery compartment 3, as shown by thearrows in Fig. 6, and, due to the positive pressure created in the enclosed compartment by the fan, air is driven out through the outlet chamber 29 of the air conduit structure.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that I have provided a novel form of mounting a refrigerating unit in the top of a refrigerator cabinet. I have also provided means for air cooling certain parts of the refrigeration apparatus, while at the same time preventing noises due to operation of the refrigerating apparatus from escaping from the apparatus compartment.

,While I have shown my invention in but one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the.

art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various changes and modifications, without de parting from the spirit thereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon as are imposed by the prior art or as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What I. claim is:

1. In refrigerating apparatus, the combination of a refrigerator cabinet having a food storage compartment and a machinery compartment located above the, food storage compartment together with an intermediate structure disposed between the food storage compartment and the machinery compartment, said machinery compartment having an opening in a side wall thereof and said intermediate structure providing an opening between the compartments, a refrigerating unit embodying a condensing element and an evaporating element together with an intermediate base portion assembled therewith and detachably engaging the intermediate structure for supporting the condensing element in the machinery compartment and the evaporating element in the food storage compartment, said refrigerating unit being movable horizontally through said opening in the side wall of the machinery compartment and also movable vertically in the machinery compartment to project the evaporating element through said intermediate structure into the food storage compartment, said intermediate structure and said base member cooperating to form a partition separating the machinery compartment and the food storage compartment and a movable flue structure covering the opening in the side wall of the food storage compartment.

2. In refrigerating apparatus, the combination of a refrigerating cabinet having a food storage compartment and a machinery compartment located above the food storage compartment together with an insulated partition separating the food storage compartment and the machinery compartment, said machinery compartment having an opening in a side wall thereof and said partition having an opening therein, a. refrigerating unit embodying a condensing element and an evaporating element, means for detachably supporting the refrigerating unit in the cabinet with the condensing element in the machinery compartment and the evaporating element in the food storage compartment, said refrigerating unit being movable horizontally through said opening in the side wall of the machinery compartment and also movable verticallyin the machinery compartment so as to project the evaporating element through said opening in the partition and a removable flue structure covering the open-' gether with an intermediate'structure disposed between the food storage compartment and the machinery compartment, said machinery compartment having an opening in a side wall thereof and said intermediate structure providing an opening between the compartments, a refrigerating unit embodying a condensing element and an- I evaporating element together with an intermediate base portion assembled therewith and detaehably engaging the intermediate structure for supporting the condensing element in the machinery compartment and the evaporating element in the food storage compartment, said refrigerating unit being movable horizontally through said opening in the side wall of the machinery compartment and also movable vertically in the machinery compartment to project the evaporating element through said intermediate structure into the food storage compartment, said intermediate structure and said base member cooperating to form a partition separating the machinery compartment and the food storage compartment, and a structure embodying conduits for the supply and return of air to and from the machinery compartment, said structure being detachably secured to a side wall of the cabinet and occupying said opening in the side wall of the machinery compartment.

4. In refrigerating apparatus, the combination of a refrigerator cabinet having a food storage compartment and a machinery compartment located above the food storage compartment together with an intermediate structure disposed between the food storage compartment and the machinery compartment, said machinery compartment having an opening in a side wall thereof and said intermediate structure providing an opening between the compartments, a refrigerating, unit embodying a condensing element and an evaporating element together with an intermediate base portion assembled therewith and detachably engaging the intermediate structure for supporting the condensing element in the.

u machinery compartment and the evaporating element inthe food storage compartment, said refrigerating unit being movable horizontally through said opening in the side wall of the machinery compartment and also movable vertically in the machinery compartmentto project the evaporating element through said intermediate structure into the food' storage compartment, said intermediate structure and said base member cooperating to form a partition separating the machinery compartment and the food storage compartment, and means for preventing noisesincident to operation of the refrigerating unit from escaping from the appmatuscompartment through the opening in the machinery compartment, said last means including a removable flue structure covering the opening in the machinery compartment.

5. In refrigerating apparatus, the combination of a refrigerator cabinet having a food storage compartment and a machinery compartment located above the food storage compartment together with an intermediate structure disposed between the food storage compartment andthe machinery compartment, said machinery compartment having an opening in a side wall thereof and said intermediate structure providing an opening between the compartments, 9. refrigerating unit embodying a condensing element and an evaporating element together with an intermediate base portion assembled therewith and detachably engaging the intermediate structure for supporting the condensing element in the machinery compartment and the evaporating element in the food storage compartment, said refrigerating unit being movable horizontally through said opening in the side wall of the machinery compartment and also movable vertically in the machinery compartment to project-the evaporating element through said intermediate structure into the food storage compartment, said intermediate structure and said base member cooperating to form a partition separating the machinery compartment and the food storage compartment, and means including said structure for preventing noises from operation of said refrigerating unit from escaping from the machinery compartment, said last means including a removable flue structure covering the opening in the machinery compartment.

6. In refrigerating apparatus, the combination of a refrigerator cabinet having a food storage compartment and a machinery compart ment located above the food storage compartment together with an intermediate structure disposed between the food storage compartment and the machinery compartment, said machinery compartment having an opening in a side wall thereof and said intermediate structure providing an opening between the compartments, a refrlgerating unit embodying a condensing element and an evaporating element together with an intermediate base portion assembled therewith a and detachably engaging the intermediate structure for supporting the condensing element in the machinerycompartment and the evaporating element in the food storage compartment, said refrigerating unit being movable horizontally through said opening in the side wall of. the machinery compartment and also movable vertically in the machinery compartment to project the evaporating element through said intermediate structure into the food storage compartment, 'said intermediate structure and said base mem ber cooperating to form a partition separating the machinery compartment and the food storage compartment, a structure embodying conduits for the supply and return of air to and from the machinery compartment, said structure being detachably secured to a side wall of the cabinet and occupying said opening in the side wall of the machinery compartment, and a duct connection between said structure and a portion of said refrigerating unit to provide for the passage of air therebetween.

F '7. In refrigerating apparatus, the combination of a refrigerator cabinet having a food storage compartment and a machinery compartment lo- .cated above the food storage compartment together with an intermediate structure disposed between the food storage compartment and the machinery compartment, said machinery'compartment having an opening in its top with a removable cover therefor and an opening in a side wall thereof, said intermediate structure providing an opening between the compartments, a refrigerating unit embodying a condensing element and an evaporating element together with an intermediate base portion assembled therewith and detachably engaging said intermediate structure for supporting the condensing element in the machinery compartment and the evaporating ele .ment' in the food storage compartment, said refrigerating unit being movable horizontally through the open top and side wall of the machinery compartment and also movably vertically in the machinery compartment to project the evaporating element through said intermediate structure into the food storage compartment, said intermediate structure and base member cooperating to form a partition separating the machinery compartment and the food storage compartment and a removable flue structure covering the opening in the side wall of the machinery compartment.

8. In refrigeration apparatus the combination of inner and outer sheets of material with heat insulation therebetween forming the back, front, side, top and bottom walls of a food storage compartment, said food storage compartment having an access opening in the front wall thereof an access door for closing the access opening in the food storage compartment, said top wall also having an opening therein, upward fixed extensions on the front and side outer sheets, whereby a machinery compartment is formed above the food storage compartment bounded on three vertical sides by said outer sheets, said back outer sheet extending upwardly a less distance than the other sheets, whereby the fourth side of the machinery compartment is completely open, and a refrigcrating unit embodying a condensing element 4 and an evaporating element together with an intermediate base portion assembled therewith and detachably engaging the top wall of the food storage compartment for supporting the condensing element in the machinery compartment and the evaporating element in the food storage compartment, said refrigerating unit being movable horizontally through said opening in the machinery compartment and also movable vertically 10 in the machinery compartment to project the evaporating element through the opening in said top wall into the-,food'storage compartment, said top wall and said base member cooperating to form a partition separating the machinery com- 15 partment and the food storage compartment.

WALTER M. VAN SCIVER. 

